Let’s Take A Deep Dive: The Feminine Footprint in Commercial Design
You know that moment when you walk into a space and everything just feels... right? Like, you can't put your finger on exactly what it is, but you immediately want to stay longer?
Every time I step foot into Mandy's, I'm overwhelmed by the attention to detail and care for their customers that went into designing this space. The way they've positioned the ordering counter so you can see the entire salad-making process, how the seating areas are arranged to encourage both quick lunches and longer conversations, the fact that there are convenient spots to set your bag and coat without them being in the way.
It hit me: this is what happens when someone truly understands their customer. Not just what they buy, but how they move, what they notice, what makes them feel seen.
So let's dive into what I've been obsessing over - the spaces that are absolutely nailing thoughtful commercial design.
Function & Flow is Essential
Can we talk about layout for a minute? Because I am passionate about this!
Take Club Monaco's approach to layout, it's a masterclass in intuitive design. When you walk into their stores, you can immediately scan the entire space without feeling overwhelmed. They've created this beautifully curated visual flow where you naturally move from section to section without any of that hunting-through-racks confusion or getting stuck in dead-end corners.
What makes their layout work so well: Clear sight lines from the entrance, pathways wide enough for more than one person, and strategic use of central displays that you can walk around to discover different collections organically.
Another example of this I discovered was at a high-end fitness studio I visited, they'd placed baskets of fresh towels and premium yoga mats right at the entrance to each studio room. Not tucked away in some corner where you have to ask for them, but right there, waiting for you. The message was clear: "We've thought about what you need before you even realized you needed it."
That's when you know a business gets it. When they remove friction you didn't even know existed.
The Style Bar is Higher
Next, lighting.
Jewelry brands like Mejuri have perfected the art of lighting strategy. They understand that lighting isn't just functional, it's psychological. They layer ambient lighting with strategic spotlights on jewelry displays, but here's the genius part: they position soft, diffused lights around mirrors where customers try pieces on. The result? Not only does it enhance the jewelry’s beauty, but the customer’s as well.
Compare that to those harsh fluorescent nightmares we've all experienced in changing rooms where you look like you haven't slept in weeks. Those spaces are designed for efficiency, not confidence. And confidence, my friends, is what drives purchasing decisions.
Jo Malone does this storytelling through texture too. Walking into their stores feels like stepping into the most beautiful powder room at an elegant dinner party. Rich walnut wood, this gorgeous creamy marble, soft textiles that you want to touch. Every surface tells you this is premium, this is considered, this is worth the investment.
Design for Belonging
This is where my heart gets full, because I've seen what happens when spaces truly welcome people.
We've all been there, standing awkwardly in a fitting room area, because there's nowhere comfortable to sit while your friend tries things on.
Aritzia gets seating right. They've created comfortable spots where your friend can sit and give honest feedback, not just one utilitarian chair in the corner. But here's where they could take it even further: mirrors in every change room so people don't feel pressured to try things on in front of the whole seating area. Sometimes you need that private moment to assess how something looks before you're ready for opinions.
The best spaces plan for real life: wide pathways for strollers, surfaces where you can actually set things down, proper handbag hooks in fitting rooms. These tiny considerations make the difference between feeling rushed and feeling genuinely welcomed.
Shayla’s Thoughts…
Here's what I keep coming back to: with brick-and-mortar retail becoming more of a privilege in our digital world, every single in-person experience matters so much more. Yes, customer service is huge, but the physical environment, i.e. how a space actually feels when you're in it, is equally important.
I think about customers who haven't always felt genuinely welcomed in public spaces, and I realize that thoughtful design isn't just nice to have, it's hospitality in action. Every detail is communicating something, and when it's done right, it's saying "You belong here, and we're glad you came."
Toronto Recommendations:
I have to share these three spaces that are making my designer heart sing right now:
Mandy's Salads - You guys, this place! The design is so fresh and energetic, but what makes me want to bring every client here is how brilliantly the operational flow works. You can watch the entire salad-making process, and the ordering system is so intuitive that even during the lunch rush, it never feels chaotic. The seating areas actually make you want to stay and enjoy your meal instead of just grabbing something to go. It's casual dining design done right.
Etiket - This luxury skincare boutique has mastered the art of approachable luxury. The moment you walk in, there's this immediate sense of calm—nothing feels intimidating or overly precious. The products are organized by category in these beautiful displays that make it easy to understand what you're looking at without feeling overwhelmed by choice. And the lighting! Warm enough to feel inviting, bright enough to properly see the products. It's skincare retail perfection.
Lip Lab - Lip Lab nails that perfect mix of playful and polished. From the moment you walk in, the space feels fun, fresh, and totally custom—like a beauty bar built just for you. The layout invites you to linger, with lipstick stations that feel more like interactive art than retail. And the lighting? Just right for swatching, selfies, and settling into the creative process. It’s beauty retail done right.
Pictured: Mandy’s, Etiket, Lip Lab
Why This All Matters
When I analyze spaces that truly understand their customers, I see environments where people feel respected, considered, and genuinely welcomed. It's about recognizing that we all have different needs; some of us are shopping with kids, some are meeting friends, some just need a moment to ourselves in a beautiful space.
The retailers who understand this aren't just creating stores, they're building emotional connections through environmental psychology. And honestly? The spaces that ignore these considerations are the ones struggling to compete with the convenience of online shopping.
What commercial spaces make you feel completely at home? I'm always collecting examples for client inspiration, so please share your favourites with me!
Shayla
Follow along for more design stories and obsessions on Instagram @WarmWelcomeDesign
